Emmanuel OchayiThe Nigerian House of Representatives has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce a nationwide shutdown of porn websites. Lawmakers claim the decision is necessary to protect societal values, as pornography promotes immorality and has negative psychological effects.
The motion was sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, a member representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency. He argued that Nigeria, as a religious nation, should not permit the spread of obscene content. Tafoki further stated that several other countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have already implemented similar bans.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe added “Cyber pornography is becoming a global problem, and no concrete steps have been taken to address its effects in Nigeria. Experts warn about the dangers of pornography, including addiction, promiscuous behaviour, and the destruction of moral values.”
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The motion received overwhelming support from the lawmakers, and the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, warned that internet providers who fail to comply will face sanctions. The House tasked its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to oversee the implementation of the directive.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians
Following the announcement, Nigerians took to social media to express their opinions. While some supported the decision, others criticised it as a misplaced priority. Many believe the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment.
On X (formerly Twitter), users had varied reactions: Mr Bethel Ifeanyi Chukwu (@ONWA_DOLLARS) summed up the feelings of many, calling the move a “misplaced priority.”
Emma Okafor (@icecompass18) questioned “How is this a critical problem facing the Nigerian House of Representatives?”
Flytrap (@Venus_flytrap76) speculated “The issue must have gotten close to home. That’s the only reason this is being deliberated on.”. Meanwhile, some users praised the move. Abdulrahman Abubakar (@beenawf) tweeted “Yes, I stand solidly behind this. Time to restore our morals.”
Similarly, DinoSpeaks (@Pearlywhitegem) stated “I support wholeheartedly.”. However, Nwaeze Simon Ekpa (@WilsonEze03) mocked the decision, saying “The House is truly working indeed, tackling the major issues plaguing Nigeria. I can sleep better at night knowing my representatives are working tirelessly for me.”
Will the Ban Be Effective?
While the lawmakers have directed internet service providers to block porn websites, many Nigerians doubt its practical implementation. Similar bans in the past, such as restrictions on social media platforms and certain websites, have often been bypassed using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Additionally, questions have been raised about how the government intends to monitor compliance. Some critics argue that the focus should be on sex education and parental control rather than outright bans.
Technology experts have also pointed out that pornographic content is easily accessible on social media platforms, making it difficult to enforce a total shutdown. A user, ԾʅՄ-ԺԹעɿԺ™ (@MoiAuthentic), asked “Will ‘X’ be included? There is a lot of photography featured on the app.”
Bigger Issues Remain
The decision to shut down porn websites comes at a time when Nigeria is facing economic instability, inflation, and a depreciating naira. Some critics argue that lawmakers should prioritise tackling these urgent national issues instead. With the directive in place, Nigerians now wait to see if the porn site ban will be effectively implemented or if it will be another policy that fades away with time.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
